Children&#39;s motion device

ABSTRACT

A children&#39;s motion device such as a bouncer or jumper, including a base, a child-supporting portion, and at least one non-metal resilient biasing element operatively engaged between the base and the child-supporting portion to allow motion of the child-supporting portion relative to the base. In example forms, the resilient biasing element is formed from a polymeric polyester elastomer material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/395,158 filed Sep. 15, 2016, the entirety ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of children'saccessories, and more particularly to motion devices for children.

BACKGROUND

Various forms of children's motion devices are known for use withinfants and children at different stages of their development. Forexample, bouncers, jumpers, rockers, seats, swings, and the like areused to provide entertainment, exercise and/or calming motion forchildren. Children's motion devices commonly utilize flexible metalsprings or other flexible or resilient biasing elements to impart abouncing or other cyclical type of motion. Such biasing components maysuffer from a number of disadvantages, such as for example, highmaterial costs leading to increased production expense, increasedcomplexity of manufacturing and assembly, susceptibility to fatiguefailure, loss of elasticity and material creep over time, environmentalconcerns with material treatment and finishing processes such as metalpowder-coating, increased weight resulting in higher transport andhandling costs, production and sourcing difficulties, etc.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for improvements tochildren's motion devices. It is to the provision of improved children'smotion devices meeting these and other needs that the present inventionis primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides improvedchildren's motion devices in various formats that incorporate non-metalresilient biasing elements to impart a bouncing or other cyclical typeof motion. In example embodiments, the one or more resilient biasingelements comprise a polymeric elastomer material, such as for example athermoplastic polyester elastomer.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a children's bouncerdevice including a base configured to support the device on a supportsurface, a child-supporting portion supported above the base andconfigured to support a child, and at least one non-metal resilientbiasing element operatively engaged between the base and thechild-supporting portion to allow a bouncing motion of thechild-supporting portion relative to the base. The resilient biasingelement preferably includes a body formed of a polymeric elastomermaterial such as, for example, a thermoplastic polyester elastomer. Thebody preferably has a first side attached to the base, a second sideattached to the child supporting portion, and at least oneinterconnecting member extending between the first side and the secondside. The at least one interconnecting member preferably deformselastically and resiliently and imparts a counter-biasing force on thechild-supporting portion in response to the bouncing motion of thechild-supporting portion.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a children's motion deviceincluding a base, a child-supporting portion, and at least one non-metalresilient biasing element operatively engaged between the base and thechild-supporting portion to allow motion of the child-supporting portionrelative to the base. The resilient biasing element is preferably formedfrom a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, for example by molding. Inparticular example embodiments, the thermoplastic polyester elastomer isa DuPont™ Hytrel® material.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a children's jumperdevice including a base frame that includes a plurality of framesegments coupled to form a frame assembly, the frame assembly includinglower frame legs and upper frame arms. The jumper device preferably alsoincludes a child-supporting portion including a seat panel having anopening formed therein, and a seat sling having a pair of leg openingsformed therein affixed to the seat panel and extending across andbeneath the opening. The jumper device preferably also includes aplurality of non-metal resilient biasing elements suspending thechild-supporting portion from the upper frame arms of the base frame andallowing a bouncing motion of the child-supporting portion relative tothe base frame. The resilient biasing elements are preferably formedfrom a thermoplastic polyester elastomer material and are configured toelastically and resiliently deform under tension and provide aprogressively increasing counter-biasing force during at least a portionof the bouncing motion of the child-supporting portion.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a chair including a base, aseat portion, and an attachment bracket operatively engaged between thebase and the seat portion to allow a pivotal rocking or bouncing motionof the seat portion relative to the base. The attachment bracket ispreferably formed from a thermoplastic polyester elastomer material.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention willbe understood with reference to the drawing figures and detaileddescription herein, and will be realized by means of the variouselements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following brief description of the drawings anddetailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of exampleembodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention,as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a children's bouncer device accordingto an example embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1Dshow successive degrees of flexure of resilient biasing element portionsthrough a range of motion of the bouncer device according to exampleform.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a children's bouncer device accordingto another example embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2B, 2C and2D show further details of the structure and operation of the bouncerdevice according to example form.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a children's bouncer device according toanother example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a children's bouncer device accordingto another example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B showsfurther detail of a resilient biasing element portion of the bouncerdevice according to example form.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a children's bouncer device accordingto another example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B showsfurther detail of a resilient biasing element portion of the bouncerdevice according to example form.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a children's bouncer device accordingto another example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B showsfurther detail of a resilient biasing element portion of the bouncerdevice according to example form.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a children's bouncer device accordingto another example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B shows anassembly view of the bouncer device constructed according to exampleform.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a children's bouncer device according toanother example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a children's bouncer device according toanother example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a children's bouncer device accordingto another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a children's bouncer device accordingto another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a children's bouncer device accordingto another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a children's jumper device according toan example embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 14A-14D show a sequence of folding a children's jumper device froman operational configuration to a folded configuration according to anexample embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of example embodiments taken inconnection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part ofthis disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is notlimited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parametersdescribed and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of exampleonly and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Anyand all patents and other publications identified in this specificationare incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like referencenumbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,FIGS. 1A-1D show a children's bouncer device 10 according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention. The bouncer device 10 generallycomprises a base 20, a child-supporting portion 40, and at least onenon-metal resilient biasing element 60 operatively engaged between thebase and the child-supporting portion to allow a pivotal or bouncingmotion M of the child-supporting portion relative to the base.

In the depicted embodiment, the base 20 comprises a substantially rigidoval ring-shaped support platform configured to support the device 10 ona floor or other generally flat support surface. In alternateembodiments, the base 20 may have a circular, square, rectangular,polygonal, U-shaped, or other regular or irregular geometricconfiguration or structure. In example embodiments, the base 20 maycomprise one or more base segments permanently or semi-permanentlycoupled together into an assembly, for example a front segment, firstand second side segments, and/or a back segment; or alternatively maycomprise a single unitary component. The base 20 may be constructed of amolded plastic, metal, wood, composite, and/or other structuralmaterial(s) of construction. The base 20 may optionally comprise one ormore non-slip feet or contact surface components on its lower surface,for stability and positioning on the support surface, and/or to preventmarring the support surface.

In example embodiments, the child-supporting portion 40 comprises a seator support assembly configured for supporting a child therein orthereon. In the depicted embodiment, the child-supporting portion 40includes a peripheral support ring 42 at least partially surrounding andsupporting an inner sling or seat portion 44. In example embodiments,the peripheral support ring 42 comprises a substantially rigidstructure, for example constructed of a molded plastic, metal, wood,composite, and/or other material(s), and the inner sling or seat portion44 comprises a flexible and/or cushioned fabric or soft-goodsconstruction affixed and supported at its periphery by the peripheralsupport ring. In example forms, the child-supporting portion comprises aheadrest or head end portion 50, a seatback portion 52, a seat bottomportion 54, a footrest or foot end portion 56, and side bolsters orarmrest portions 58, configured to comfortably and securely support andretain children of a range of sizes and developmental stages therein,for example ranging from infants to young children.

In example embodiments, at least one non-metal resilient biasing element60 is operatively engaged between the base 20 and the child-supportingportion 40. The resilient biasing element 60 is preferably configured toenable and impart a bouncing or other cyclical type of motion (indicatedby directional arrow M) to the child-supporting portion 40, along with achild seated or supported thereon, through a range of motion between afirst or upper position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 1) and a second orlower position (shown in broken lines), while the base 20 remainsgenerally stationary. In example embodiments, the one or more resilientbiasing elements 60 comprise molded components formed from a polymericelastomer material, such as for example a thermoplastic polyesterelastomer, providing substantial elastic resilience along a range ofmotion in compression and/or tension. In particular embodiments, the oneor more resilient biasing elements 60 comprise a DuPont™ Hytrel®thermoplastic elastomer. In alternate embodiments, the resilient biasingelements comprise other elastomers, polymers, composites, natural orsynthetic rubber, metals, woods, or other materials providing a suitabledegree of elastic deformation, and resisting plastic deformation, underintended loads and over the desired range of motion. In exampleembodiments, the resilient biasing elements 60 may be formed by variousprocesses, for example formed as a molded body by injection molding,blow molding or other molding technique, extruded, cast, woven, orotherwise fabricated. The configuration of the resilient biasing element60, including without limitation the material durometer or hardness,reinforcement components, the thickness and shape of the material,and/or the location(s) of placement between the base 20 and thechild-supporting portion 40 are selected and designed depending uponparameters including the intended loading (e.g., weight range of child),and desired range of movement, speed and type of movement. In exampleembodiments, the resilient biasing element 60 is formed separately fromthe base 20 and the child-supporting portion 40, and the components areattached by adhesive, welding or bonding, and/or one or more couplingelements or attachment members. In alternate embodiments, the resilientbiasing element 60 is formed together with the base 20 and thechild-supporting portion 40, for example by co-molding or otherfabrication process. In example embodiments, the material of theresilient biasing element 60 is of a bright or contrasting colordiffering in appearance from the material of the base 20 and thechild-supporting portion 40, allowing improved external visibility ofits flexure and elastic deformation as the device 10 bounces when used.

In the depicted example embodiment, the resilient biasing element 60comprises a curved molding or panel of polymeric elastomer materialextending along at least a portion of the front and sides of the bouncerdevice 10, with its lower side affixed or attached to the front portionof the base 20 and its upper side affixed or attached to the foot end 56of the child-supporting portion 40. One or more openings or cutoutportions 65 are optionally formed in the panel of material of theresilient biasing element 60, with the remaining material of theresilient biasing element forming one or more generally vertical ribs orupright struts, for example a plurality of ribs or struts 72, 74, 76extending in a pair of spaced arrays along each side of the resilientbiasing element, having lower ends adjacent the base 20 and upper endsadjacent the child-supporting portion 40. As seen with reference toFIGS. 1C and 1D, the struts 72, 74, 76 optionally provide a progressivestiffness which increases in resistance and upward bias as thechild-supporting portion 40 moves downwardly relative to the base 20,compressing successive portions of the material of the resilient biasingelement 60. For example, as the child-supporting portion 40 begins tomove downwardly relative to the base 20 (FIG. 1C), the first or tallerstrut 72 resiliently and elastically compresses and deforms, for examplebuckling inwardly into contact with the second or intermediate strut 74,and providing an initial degree of upward biasing force. As thechild-supporting portion 40 continues to move further downwardlyrelative to the base 20, the first and second struts 72, 74 resilientlyand elastically compress and deform together with an increasing degreeof stiffness, for example buckling inwardly into contact with the thirdor shorter strut 76, and provide an additional greater degree of upwardbiasing force. And as the child-supporting portion 40 continues to movestill further downwardly relative to the base 20 (FIG. 1D), the first,second and third struts 72, 74, 76 resiliently and elastically compressand deform together with a further increasing degree of stiffness, forexample buckling inwardly into contact with a medial portion of theresilient biasing element 60, providing an even greater degree of upwardbiasing force. In alternative embodiments, the resilient biasing element60 may comprise one, two, three or more resilient struts of variousconfigurations arranged in one, two or more spaced arrays, or theresilient biasing element may comprise a continuous solid panel ormolding of polymeric elastomer material. In further alternativeembodiments, the thickness, shape, location, material hardness ordurometer, or other characteristics of the different struts or differentsections of the resilient biasing element 60 can be selectively variedto impart desired support and motion characteristics.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D show a children's bouncer device 110 accordingto another example embodiment of the present invention. The bouncerdevice 110 generally comprises a base 120, a child-supporting portion140, and at least one non-metal resilient biasing element 160operatively engaged between the base and the child-supporting portion toallow a pivotal or bouncing motion M of the child-supporting portionrelative to the base. In this embodiment, the base 120 comprises aU-shaped structure having first and second side arms and aninterconnecting rear cross-piece, and the child-supporting portion 140comprises a U-shaped peripheral support member 142 having a first sidearm, a second side arm, and an interconnecting head end cross-piece.Example embodiments can also include a foot end cross-piece. Ends of thefirst and second side arms of the base 120 are pivotally coupled torespective ends of the first and second side arms of the peripheralsupport member 142. The child-supporting portion 140 further comprisesan inner sling or seat portion 144 supported by the peripheral supportmember 142, and a toy or accessory bar 146 detachably connected to theperipheral support member and extending over the child seating area. Anelectronic accessory 150, such as for example a vibrational unit,auto-bounce motor, audio or audiovisual device, or other entertainmentfeature is optionally included. The device 110 is foldable from theassembled configuration shown in FIG. 2A to the folded and compactconfiguration shown in FIG. 2D, by means of a hinged connection betweenthe base 120 and the child-supporting portion 140. The detachable toy oraccessory bar 146 optionally comprises an inner channel or grooveconfigured to slide over and onto the back of the base 120, as shown inFIG. 2D.

A first resilient biasing element 160 is operatively coupled intorsional engagement between a first leg of the base 120 and a first legof the peripheral support member 142 of the child-supporting portion140, on one side of the device 110; and a second resilient biasingelement 160 is operatively coupled in torsional engagement between asecond leg of the base and a second leg of the peripheral supportmember, on the opposite side of the device. FIG. 2B shows additionaldetails of the resilient biasing elements 160 according to an exampleembodiment. The resilient biasing element 160 comprises an annular bodyhaving an inner ring 162 configured for cooperative engagement with ahub 122 of a mounting flange portion of the base 120, a concentric outerring 164 configured for cooperative engagement with a sleeve 148 on theperipheral support member 142 of the child-supporting portion 140, and aplurality of ribs or fins 166 extending radially between the inner andouter rings in a circumferentially spaced array. Abutting contactsurfaces of the hub 122 and inner ring 162, and of the sleeve 148 andouter ring 164, respectively, optionally include interengaging surfacefeatures for positional fixation of the components relative to oneanother, which are further optionally releasable and repositionable toallow selective variation of the angle of incline of thechild-supporting portion 140 relative to the base 120, and for foldingof the frame of the device 110. The resilient biasing element 160 andthe coupled ends of the arms of the base 120 and the support member 142are retained in position by coupling elements, such as for example athreaded mounting flange 180, bushing 182 and correspondingly threadednut 184.

In example embodiments, the resilient biasing elements 160 comprise apolymeric elastomer material, such as for example a thermoplasticpolyester elastomer, providing substantial elastic resilience along arange of motion in compression and/or tension. In particularembodiments, the resilient biasing elements 160 comprise a DuPont™Hytrel® thermoplastic elastomer. The resilient biasing elements 160provide a resilient and elastically deformable connection between thechild-supporting portion 140 and the base 120, allowing the childsupporting portion to move through a bouncing or otherwise cyclicalmotion (indicated by direction arrow M). As the child-supporting portion140 moves relative to the base 120, the inner and outer rings 162, 164of the resilient biasing elements 160 rotate concentrically relative toone another, causing the ribs or fins 166 to twist and stretch, with theelastic resilience of their constituent material imparting a rotationalreturn bias in a direction opposite the motion of the child-supportingportion (i.e., an upward bias in response to downward motion, or adownward bias in response to upward motion). The resilient biasingelements 160 optionally provide a progressive stiffness which increasesin resistance and upward bias as the child-supporting portion 140 movesdownwardly relative to the base 120. In example embodiments, the ribs orfins 166 extending between the inner ring 162 and the outer ring 164 ofthe resilient biasing elements 160 have a varying thickness and/orstiffness along their length, for example being thinner and less stifftoward their inner ends at the points of attachment with the inner ring,and becoming progressively thicker and more stiff toward their outerends at the points of attachment with the outer ring.

FIG. 3 shows a children's bouncer device 210 according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention. The bouncer device 210 issubstantially similar to the above described embodiments, withdifferences as noted, and generally comprises a base 220, achild-supporting portion 240, and at least one non-metal resilientbiasing element 260 operatively engaged between the base and thechild-supporting portion to allow a pivotal or bouncing motion of thechild-supporting portion relative to the base. In this embodiment, theresilient biasing element 260 comprises a general rectangular or squarebody comprising a polymeric elastomer material, such as for example athermoplastic polyester elastomer, and in particular embodiments aDuPont™ Hytrel® thermoplastic elastomer.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a children's bouncer device 310 according toanother example embodiment of the present invention. The bouncer device310 is substantially similar to the above described embodiments, withdifferences as noted, and generally comprises a base 320, achild-supporting portion 340, and at least one non-metal resilientbiasing element 360 operatively engaged between the base and thechild-supporting portion to allow a pivotal or bouncing motion of thechild-supporting portion relative to the base. In this embodiment, thebase 320 includes an upwardly extending attachment flange 322, and thechild-supporting portion 340 includes inner and outer coupling hubs 342,344 configured to receive and rotationally couple with the attachmentflange of the base. Resilient biasing elements 360 are torsionallyengaged between an inner hub or axle 324 extending from the attachmentflange 322 of the base 320, and outer sleeves formed in the couplinghubs 342, 344. A cover panel 350 may be provided to protect againstpotential contact with moving parts. In example embodiments, the coverpanel 350 may be transparent, and the resilient biasing elements 360 maybe brightly colored or decorative, allowing external visibility of thestructure and movement of the resilient biasing elements. The bouncerdevice 310 optionally further comprises a motor-driven orelectromagnetic bounce module 370 for imparting a bouncing or other typeof motion to the child-supporting portion 340 relative to the base 320.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a children's bouncer device 410 according toanother example embodiment of the present invention. The bouncer device410 is substantially similar to the above described embodiments, withdifferences as noted, and generally comprises a base 420, achild-supporting portion 440, and at least one non-metal resilientbiasing element 460 operatively engaged between the base and thechild-supporting portion to allow a pivotal or bouncing motion of thechild-supporting portion relative to the base. In this embodiment, theresilient biasing element 460 is torsionally engaged between an axle orshaft 424 connected to the base 420 and a sleeve or channel formedthrough a pivotally connected coupling portion of the child-supportingportion 440. A cover panel 470, optionally transparent, may be providedover the resilient biasing element 460.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a children's bouncer device 510 according toanother example embodiment of the present invention. The bouncer device510 is substantially similar to the above described embodiments, withdifferences as noted, and generally comprises a base 520, achild-supporting portion 540, and at least one non-metal resilientbiasing element 560 operatively engaged between the base and thechild-supporting portion to allow a pivotal or bouncing motion of thechild-supporting portion relative to the base. In this embodiment, thechild-supporting portion 540 comprises an electronic entertainmentmodule 550. An adjustment actuator or switch 565 allows folding orpositional adjustment of the incline angle of the child-supportingportion 540 relative to the base 520, and/or allow selective adjustmentof the stiffness of the resilient biasing element 560, and/or thebouncing speed and/or range of motion of the child-supporting portionrelative to the base. A cover panel 570, optionally transparent, may beprovided over the resilient biasing element 560.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a children's bouncer device 610 according toanother example embodiment of the present invention. The bouncer device610 is substantially similar to the above described embodiments, withdifferences as noted, and generally comprises a base 620, achild-supporting portion 640, and at least one non-metal resilientbiasing element 660 operatively engaged between the base and thechild-supporting portion to allow a pivotal or bouncing motion of thechild-supporting portion relative to the base. In this embodiment, thebase 620 comprises first and second panels 622, 624 secured together bya plurality of snap couplings. The child-supporting portion 640comprises a lower support body 642 and an upper support body 644,configured to engage a soft-goods sling or support seat panel 646therebetween, and a plurality of cushioned seat and armrest inserts 648,650. The resilient biasing element 660 comprises a lower panel forattachment to the base 620, an upper panel for attachment to thechild-supporting portion 640, and a plurality of ribs or strutsextending between the lower and upper panels in a spaced array. Inexample embodiments, the resilient biasing element 660 is configured toallow front-to-back, side-to-side, and/or twisting movement of thechild-supporting portion 640 relative to the base 620.

FIG. 8 shows a children's bouncer device 710 according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention. The bouncer device 710 issubstantially similar to the above described embodiments, withdifferences as noted, and generally comprises a base 720, achild-supporting portion 740, and at least one non-metal resilientbiasing element 760 operatively engaged between the base and thechild-supporting portion to allow a pivotal or bouncing motion of thechild-supporting portion relative to the base. In this embodiment, theresilient biasing element 760 comprises a continuous curved web ofpolymeric elastomer material, such as for example a thermoplasticpolyester elastomer, and in particular embodiments a DuPont™ Hytrel®thermoplastic elastomer, extending between front and side portions ofthe base 720 and the child-supporting portion 740.

FIG. 9 shows a children's bouncer device 810 according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention. The bouncer device 810 issubstantially similar to the above described embodiments, withdifferences as noted, and generally comprises a base 820, achild-supporting portion 840, and at least one non-metal resilientbiasing element 860 operatively engaged between the base and thechild-supporting portion to allow a pivotal or bouncing motion of thechild-supporting portion relative to the base. In this embodiment, theresilient biasing element 860 comprises a body formed as a unitarymolding formed of a polymeric elastomer material, having lower webportions 862 that form a portion of the base 820, an upper panel portion864 that forms a portion of the child-supporting portion 840, andintermediate elastically resilient flexure webs 866 extending betweenthe lower web portions and the upper panel portion.

FIG. 10 shows a children's bouncer device 910 according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention. The bouncer device 910 issubstantially similar to the above described embodiments, withdifferences as noted, and generally comprises a base 920, achild-supporting portion 940, and at least one non-metal resilientbiasing element 960 operatively engaged between the base and thechild-supporting portion to allow a pivotal or bouncing motion of thechild-supporting portion relative to the base. In this embodiment, theresilient biasing element 960 comprises a molding formed of a polymericelastomer material, having lower web portions 962 that attach to thebase 920, an upper flange 964 that attach to the child-supportingportion 940, and intermediate elastically resilient flexure arms 966extending between the lower web portions and the upper flange portion.

FIG. 11 shows a children's bouncer device 1010 according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention. The bouncer device 1010 issubstantially similar to the above described embodiments, withdifferences as noted, and generally comprises a base 1020, achild-supporting portion 1040, and at least one non-metal resilientbiasing element 1060 operatively engaged between the base and thechild-supporting portion to allow a pivotal or bouncing motion of thechild-supporting portion relative to the base. In this embodiment, theresilient biasing element 1060 comprises a molding formed of a polymericelastomer material, having lower attachment portions 1062 that attach tothe base 1020, an upper engagement section 1064 that attach to thechild-supporting portion 1040, and intermediate elastically resilientflexure panels 1066 extending between the lower web portions and theupper flange portion.

FIG. 12 shows a chair or bouncer device 1110 according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention. The chair or bouncer device1110 is substantially similar to the above described embodiments, withdifferences as noted, and generally comprises a base 1120 having aplurality of legs 1122, a seat portion 1140, and at least one non-metalresilient biasing element 1160 operatively engaged between the base andthe seat portion to allow a pivotal rocking or bouncing motion of theseat portion relative to the base. In this embodiment, the resilientbiasing element 1160 comprises an attachment bracket formed of apolymeric elastomer material such as for example a thermoplasticpolyester elastomer, and in particular embodiments a DuPont™ Hytrel®thermoplastic elastomer. The attachment bracket 1160 optionally extendsaxially along a central spine area of the lower seat and seatbackportions of the seat 1140, and allows the sections of the seat toresiliently and elastically flex and move with respect to one another.The attachment bracket 1160 is optionally rotationally coupled to amounting hub on the base 1120, allowing the seat 1140 to rotate or spinrelative to the base. Optionally, the legs 1122 comprise feet 1124 orcasters at their lower ends, to support the chair or bouncer device 1110in a fixed position or allow rolling along a support surface. A toy oraccessory bar 1170 is optionally provided, extending over the seatingarea, and supporting one or more toys, lights, electronic devices,audiovisual displays, or other accessories.

FIG. 13 shows a children's jumper device 1210 according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention. The jumper device 1210 generallycomprises a base 1220, a child-supporting portion 1240, and at least onenon-metal resilient biasing element 1260 operatively engaged between thebase and the child-supporting portion to allow a bouncing and/orswinging motion of the child-supporting portion relative to the base.The base 1220 comprises a frame formed from an assembly of frameelements such as tubular sections of aluminum, steel, plastic, wood orother metals, polymers, composites or other materials. In the depictedexample, the base frame 1220 comprises first and second generallydownwardly extending U-shaped lower frame legs 1222, 1224, first andsecond generally upwardly extending U-shaped upper frame arms 1226,1228, two upper frame arm couplings 1230 pivotally connecting respectiveends of the upper frame arms, and four lower frame leg couplings 1232pivotally connecting ends of the lower frame legs to medial portions ofthe upper frame arms. Slip-resistant or anti-marring feet 1234 areoptionally provided along lower surfaces of the lower frame legs 1222,1224. The child-supporting portion 1240 comprises a seat panel 1242having an opening formed therein, and a seat sling 1244 having a pair ofleg openings formed therein affixed to the seat panel and extendingacross and beneath the opening. Optionally, one or more toys oraccessories are provided on the seat panel 1242.

The resilient biasing elements 1260 preferably comprise cords or bandsof a polymeric elastomer material such as for example a thermoplasticpolyester elastomer, and in particular embodiments a DuPont™ Hytrel®thermoplastic elastomer. In example embodiments, the resilient biasingelements 1260 comprise moldings formed by injection molding, blowmolding or other molding processes, or are extruded, braided, woven orotherwise fabricated. First or upper ends of the resilient biasing cords1260 are attached to upper cross-members of the upper frame arms 1226,1228 adjacent upper corners of the device 1210, and second or lower endsof the resilient biasing cords are attached to the sides of the seatpanel 1242. In alternate embodiments, the resilient biasing cords extendthrough the top of the seat panel. The resilient biasing cords 1260 maybe provided in spaced arrays of two or more cords, for example in thedepicted embodiment, four arrays of three cords each are provided, onearray connected at each corner of the seat panel 1242. In alternativeembodiments, fewer or more resilient biasing cords per array, and/orfewer or more arrays of cords may be provided.

FIG. 14A shows a children's jumper device 1310 according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention. The jumper device 1310generally comprises a base 1320, a child-supporting portion 1340, and atleast one non-metal resilient biasing element 1360 operatively engagedbetween the base and the child-supporting portion to allow a bouncingand/or swinging motion of the child-supporting portion relative to thebase. The base 1320 comprises a frame formed from an assembly of frameelements such as tubular sections of aluminum, steel, plastic, wood orother metals, polymers, composites or other materials. In the depictedexample, the base frame 1320 comprises first and second generallydownwardly extending U-shaped lower frame legs 1322, 1324, first andsecond generally upwardly extending U-shaped upper frame arms 1326,1328, and two cross-frame couplings 1330 pivotally connecting the endsof the upper frame arms and the lower frame legs. The child-supportingportion 1340 comprises a seat panel 1342 having an opening formedtherein, and a seat sling 1344 having a pair of leg openings formedtherein affixed to the seat panel and extending across and beneath theopening.

The resilient biasing elements 1360 preferably comprise cords or bandsof a molded polymeric elastomer material such as for example athermoplastic polyester elastomer, and in particular embodiments aDuPont™ Hytrel® thermoplastic elastomer. First or upper ends of theresilient biasing cords 1360 are attached to upper cross-members of theupper frame arms 1326, 1328 adjacent upper corners of the device 1310,and second or lower ends of the resilient biasing cords are attached tothe sides of the seat panel 1342. The resilient biasing cords 1360 maybe provided in spaced arrays of two or more cords, for example in thedepicted embodiment, four arrays of three cords each are provided, onearray connected at each corner of the seat panel 1342. In alternativeembodiments, fewer or more resilient biasing cords per array, and/orfewer or more arrays of cords may be provided. The resilient biasingcords 1360 may be detachably coupled to the upper cross-members of theupper frame arms 1326, 1328 by tube clips or brackets 1380 having ahooked coupling portion configured to securely engage the frame armswhen the device 1310 is in use with a child seated therein, but to bedetached by application of moderate hand pressure by an adult caregiverwhen the device is not in use and a child is not seated therein.

A sequence of folding the children's jumper device 1310 is depicted inFIGS. 14A-14D. As shown in FIG. 14A-14B, the tube clips 1380 aredetached from one of the upper frame arms 1326 or 1328. The tube clipsmay remain attached to the other upper frame arm. The child-supportingportion 1340 is then free to move away from the detached upper framearm, and does not interfere with its folding. The adult caregiveractuates a frame release actuator 1332 on one or both cross-framecouplings 1330, which releases the upper frame arms 1326, 1328 to befolded toward one another (FIG. 14C), and releases the lower frame legs1322, 1324 to be folded toward one another (FIG. 14D). In the foldedconfiguration, the upper frame arms 1326, 1328, lower frame legs 1322,1324, and child-supporting portion 1340 are generally aligned with oneanother in a flat and compact configuration for ease of transport orstorage.

In use, a child is placed into or onto the child supporting portion of achildren's motion device according to example embodiments of theinvention, and a bouncing or other cyclical movement of the childsupporting portion is imparted by manual application of force by anadult caregiver, by movement of the child, by an electronic motor-drivenor electromagnetic auto-bouncer unit, and/or by other means. As thechild supporting portion is moved in a first direction, the one or morenon-metal resilient biasing elements of the device elastically andresiliently extend or contract out of equilibrium, either in tension orcompression between the child supporting portion and the base. Theshape-memory or elastic resilience of the material of the one or morenon-metal resilient biasing elements causes the biasing elements toapply a biasing force to the child supporting portion, counter to thedirection of motion of the child supporting portion. The counter-biasingforce increases as the child supporting portion moves further out of itsequilibrium position, until it balances and overcomes the momentum ofthe motion, causing the child supporting portion to reverse directionand move in an opposite second direction. The range of motion may thencycle back and forth in a bouncing, swinging or other form, providingentertainment, exercise, and/or soothing movement to a child supportedin the motion device.

While the invention has been described with reference to exampleembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that avariety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scopeof the invention, as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A children's bouncer device comprising: a baseconfigured to support the device on a support surface; achild-supporting portion supported above the base and configured tosupport a child; and at least one non-metal resilient biasing elementoperatively engaged between the base and the child-supporting portion toallow a bouncing motion of the child-supporting portion relative to thebase, wherein the resilient biasing element comprises a body formed of apolymeric elastomer material, the body comprising a first side attachedto the base, a second side attached to the child supporting portion, andat least one interconnecting member extending between the first side andthe second side, wherein the at least one interconnecting memberelastically and resiliently deforms and imparts a counter-biasing forceon the child-supporting portion in response to the bouncing motion. 2.The children's bouncer device of claim 1, wherein the resilient biasingelement comprises a panel of the polymeric elastomer material defining aplurality of openings and forming a spaced array of support struts. 3.The children's bouncer device of claim 2, wherein the spaced array ofsupport struts elastically and resiliently deform under compression andprovide a progressively increasing stiffness during at least a portionof the bouncing motion.
 4. The children's bouncer device of claim 2,wherein the spaced array of support struts comprise struts ofprogressively increasing height.
 5. The children's bouncer device ofclaim 1, wherein the resilient biasing element comprises an annular bodycomprising an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of finsextending between the inner and outer rings in a circumferentiallyspaced array.
 6. The children's bouncer device of claim 5, wherein theplurality of fins define a length between the inner and outer rings, andhave a varying thickness or stiffness along their length.
 7. Thechildren's bouncer device of claim 1, wherein the polymeric elastomermaterial of the resilient biasing element comprises a DuPont™ Hytrel®thermoplastic polyester elastomer material.
 8. The children's bouncerdevice of claim 1, wherein the child-supporting portion isrepositionable relative to the base for folding or adjustment of anincline angle of the child-supporting portion.
 9. A children's motiondevice comprising a base, a child-supporting portion, and at least onenon-metal resilient biasing element operatively engaged between the baseand the child-supporting portion to allow motion of the child-supportingportion relative to the base, wherein the resilient biasing elementcomprises a thermoplastic polyester elastomer.
 10. The children's motiondevice of claim 9, wherein the thermoplastic polyester elastomermaterial comprises a DuPont™ Hytrel® material.
 11. The children's motiondevice of claim 9, wherein the resilient biasing element comprises athermoplastic molding having a first side attached to the base, a secondside attached to the child supporting portion, and at least oneinterconnecting member extending between the first side and the secondside, wherein the at least one interconnecting member elastically andresiliently deforms and imparts a counter-biasing force on thechild-supporting portion in response to the motion of thechild-supporting portion.
 12. The children's motion device of claim 9,wherein the resilient biasing element comprises a molded panel of thethermoplastic polyester elastomer material defining a plurality ofopenings and forming a spaced array of support struts.
 13. Thechildren's motion device of claim 12, wherein the spaced array ofsupport struts elastically and resiliently deform under compression andprovide a progressively increasing stiffness during at least a portionof the motion of the child-supporting portion.
 14. The children's motiondevice of claim 12, wherein the spaced array of support struts comprisestruts of progressively increasing height.
 15. The children's motiondevice of claim 9, wherein the resilient biasing element comprises anannular body comprising an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality offins extending between the inner and outer rings in a circumferentiallyspaced array.
 16. The children's motion device of claim 15, wherein theplurality of fins define a length between the inner and outer rings, andhave a varying thickness or stiffness along their length.
 17. Thechildren's motion device of claim 9, wherein the child-supportingportion is suspended from the base by a plurality of resilient biasingelements configured to elastically and resiliently deform under tensionand provide a progressively increasing counter-biasing force during atleast a portion of the motion of the child-supporting portion.
 18. Achildren's jumper device comprising: a base frame comprising a pluralityof frame segments coupled to form a frame assembly, the frame assemblycomprising lower frame legs and upper frame arms; a child-supportingportion comprising a seat panel having an opening formed therein, and aseat sling having a pair of leg openings formed therein affixed to theseat panel and extending across and beneath the opening; and a pluralityof non-metal resilient biasing elements suspending the child-supportingportion from the upper frame arms of the base frame and allowing abouncing motion of the child-supporting portion relative to the baseframe, the resilient biasing elements comprising a thermoplasticpolyester elastomer material and being configured to elastically andresiliently deform under tension and provide a progressively increasingcounter-biasing force during at least a portion of the bouncing motionof the child-supporting portion.
 19. The children's jumper device ofclaim 18, wherein the thermoplastic polyester elastomer materialcomprises a DuPont™ Hytrel® material.
 20. The children's jumper deviceof claim 18, wherein the resilient biasing elements comprise a pluralityof arrays spaced about the child-supporting portion, each arraycomprising multiple resilient biasing cords.
 21. The children's jumperdevice of claim 18, wherein the frame assembly is foldable.
 22. Thechildren's jumper device of claim 21, wherein the resilient biasingelements are detachably connected to the upper frame arms by tube clips.23. A chair comprising a base, a seat portion, and an attachment bracketoperatively engaged between the base and the seat portion to allow apivotal rocking or bouncing motion of the seat portion relative to thebase, wherein the attachment bracket comprises a thermoplastic polyesterelastomer material.
 24. The chair of claim 23, wherein the thermoplasticpolyester elastomer material comprises a DuPont™ Hytrel® material.